Head and Neck Support Device

ABSTRACT

A head and neck support device for supporting and maintaining proper head and neck alignment in an individual during periods of rest and/or sleep. The head and neck support device preferably comprises a first layer of high density foam and a second layer stacked on top of said first layer and comprised of a shape memory foam with a plurality of apertures formed therein. In a preferred embodiment, both the first and second layers of the support device comprise a cradle portion for receipt of a user&#39;s head.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/675,447 filed on Jul. 25, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a head and neck support device, such as apillow, for maintaining proper posture and alignment of the head andneck while an individual is resting and/or sleeping.

BACKGROUND

Pillows and other cushions are well known in the art for propping up auser's head while the individual rests and/or sleeps, but they may notnecessarily provide the support necessary for the individual to maintainproper head and neck posture and alignment. Poor posture and/oralignment can result in restless sleep, pinched nerves and sore muscles,all of which can be both aggravating and painful. Additionally, poorhead/neck alignment may also result in the user's air passage becomingpartially obstructed.

Consequently, there exists in the art a long-felt need for a head andneck support device that provides a user with proper head and neckposture and alignment during periods of rest and/or sleep, regardless ofwhether the user is lying on his or her back or side. There also existsin the art a long felt need for a support device that helps users avoidpinched nerves, sore muscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas andrestless nights while sleeping. Moreover, there is a long felt need fora support device that is comprised, at least in part, of memory foam forconforming to the particular shape and/or size of a specific user's headand neck. Finally, there is a long-felt need for a support device thataccomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and that is relativelyinexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy touse.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,is a head and neck support device useful for providing a user withproper head and neck posture and alignment during periods of rest and/orsleep, regardless of whether the user is lying on his or her back orside. The support device is also helpful for enabling the user to avoidpinched nerves, sore muscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas andrestless nights. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thehead and neck support device is comprised of a first layer of highdensity foam with a slight indentation in the top surface of said firstlayer for receipt of a user's head and/or neck, and a second layerfixedly attached to said top surface of the first layer, wherein saidsecond layer is preferably comprised of a memory foam with a continuousopening therein for receipt of a user's head and/or neck. The firmerfirst layer provides both elevation and support to ensure proper headand neck alignment, while the softer second layer provides additionalheight and added comfort to the user. The second layer may furthercomprise a plurality of openings or apertures formed therein to increasethe softness and to permit the passage of air (i.e., breathability)while the support device is in use.

The support device of the present invention promotes proper head andneck posture and alignment during periods of rest and/or sleep,regardless of whether the user is lying on his or her back or side. Thesupport device also helps users avoid or reduce pinched nerves, soremuscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas and restless nights.Moreover, when the device is at least partially comprised of memoryform, the device can conform to the particular shape and/or size of aspecific user's head and/or neck. Finally, the support device of thepresent invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and isrelatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safeand easy to use.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thehead and neck support device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the preferredembodiment of the head and neck support device of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevational view of the preferred embodimentof the head and neck support device of the present invention.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a user lying on his side andemploying the preferred embodiment of the head and neck support deviceof the present invention.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of a user lying on his back andemploying the preferred embodiment of the head and neck support deviceof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of a preferred embodiment of the support device 100 of the presentinvention, which is comprised of a first layer 110 and a second layer150. First layer 110 is preferably rectangular in shape and comprised ofa high density foam or other suitable material, such as memory foam,high density memory foam, sofa foam or the like, though it iscontemplated that first layer 110 could also be manufactured in the formof different shapes to suit user preference. Additionally, first layer110 preferably comprises a front surface 112, back surface 114, sideopposing side surfaces 116, a top surface 118, and a bottom surface 119.

In a preferred embodiment, the length of first layer 110, as measuredbetween opposing side surfaces 116 is between 24 and 32 inches, and thewidth of first layer 110, as measured between front surface 112 and backsurface 114 is between 12 and 20 inches. The thickness of first layer110, as measured between top surface 118 and bottom surface 119 ispreferably between 1 ¼ and 2 ¼ inches. Nonetheless, it is contemplatedthat other shapes and sizes of first layer 110 could also be used tosatisfy user preference.

The top surface 118 of first layer 110 also preferably has an opening orindentation 120 formed there for receipt of a user's head, as explainedmore fully below. The overall shape and dimensions of indentation 120can vary to suit user need and/or preference, but the width of saidindentation 120 is preferably between 8 and 8 ½ inches, and the depth,as measured from top surface 118, is preferably between ½ and one inch.

Second layer 150 is also preferably rectangular in shape to correspondwith the shape of first layer 110, and comprised of a shape memory foamor other suitable material, such as low density foam, polyurethane foam,or the like, which are all well known and readily available.Additionally, second layer 150 preferably comprises a front 152, back154, opposing sides 156, a top 158, and a bottom 160.

While the overall dimensions of second layer 150 should generallycorrespond to the dimensions of first layer 110 for uniform support andappearance, the length of second layer 150, as measured between opposingside 156 is preferably between 24 and 32 inches, and the width of secondlayer 150, as measured between front 152 and back 154 is preferablybetween 12 and 20 inches. The thickness of second layer 150, as measuredbetween top 158 and bottom 160 is preferably between 2 ¼ and 2 ¾ inches.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, second layer 150 is preferablyfixedly attached to first layer 110 such that top surface 118 of firstlayer 110 is generally in contact with bottom 160 of second layer 150.First layer 110 may be attached to second layer 150 by any common meansknown in the art for fixedly attaching two foam or similar structurestogether such as with an adhesive, such as a hot melt pressure sensitiveadhesive, or the like.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, second layer 150 furthercomprises a continuous opening 170 therein that extends from top 158 tobottom 160 for receipt of a user's head and/or neck. While the shape andsize of continuous opening 170 can vary to suit user need and/orpreference, continuous opening 170 is preferably circular or oval inshape and comprised of a chamfered or tapered sidewall 172. In apreferred embodiment, the approximate width of opening 170 along top 158is preferably between 10 and 14 inches, and the width of opening 170along bottom 160 preferably corresponds to the width of indentation 120as described above. In this manner, continuous opening 170 in secondlayer 150 and indentation 120 in first layer 110 form a cradle tosupport and maintain proper alignment of the user's head and neck duringperiods of rest and/or sleep.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, second layer 150 preferablyfurther comprises a plurality of openings or apertures 180 that extendthrough second layer 150 from top 158 to said bottom 160 for permittingthe circulation of air and increasing the compressibility of secondlayer 150. The diameter of said apertures is preferably between ⅛ and ⅜of an inch, though it is contemplated that other sizes and shapes couldalso be used without affecting the overall concept of the presentinvention. Nonetheless, it is also contemplated that second layer 150can function without said apertures 180.

Having now described the overall structure of head and neck supportdevice 100, its use and usefulness will now be summarized. FIG. 4Aillustrates a user 200 resting on his or her side with the user's head210 being properly supported by support device 100. More specifically,user's head 210 rests comfortably atop second layer 150. Additionally,apertures 180 provide added comfort to user 200 by increasing thebreathability and softness of second layer 150. Similarly, FIG. 4Billustrates a user 200 resting on his or her back with the user's head210 and neck 220 being properly supported by support device 100. Morespecifically, user's head 210 rests comfortably within continuousopening 170 in second layer 150 and in indentation 120 in first layer100.

Consequently, the support device 100 of the present invention promotesproper head and neck posture and alignment during periods of rest and/orsleep, regardless of whether the user is lying on his or her back orside. Support device 100 also helps users 200 avoid or reduce pinchednerves, sore muscles, blocked airways, wrinkled neck areas and restlessnights. Moreover, when support device 100 is at least partiallycomprised of memory form, the device can conform to the particular shapeand/or size of a specific user's head and/or neck. Finally, supportdevice 100 accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and is relativelyinexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy touse.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof isshown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variationsof those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventorexpects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, andthe inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes allmodifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in theclaims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, anycombination of the above-described elements in all possible variationsthereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicatedherein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1. A head and neck support device comprising: a first layer; and asecond layer, wherein said second layer is comprised of a continuousopening therein for receipt of a portion of a user's head and aplurality of apertures, wherein at least some of said plurality ofapertures extend through the entire second layer, and further whereinsaid first layer is substantially coextensive with said second layer. 2.The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein said first layer iscomprised of a high density foam.
 3. The head and neck support device ofclaim 1 wherein said second layer is comprised of a shape memory foam.4. The head and neck support device of claim 1 wherein both of saidfirst and second layers are comprised of memory foam.
 5. The head andneck support device of claim 1 wherein said first layer is furthercomprised of a top surface with an indentation therein for receipt ofsaid portion of a user's head.
 6. (canceled)
 7. The head and necksupport device of claim 1 wherein said continuous opening is furthercomprised of a chamfered side wall.
 8. A head and neck support devicecomprising: a first layer comprised of a high density foam and a topsurface; and a second layer comprised of shape memory foam and fixedlyattached to the top surface of said first layer, wherein said secondlayer further comprises a continuous opening therein for receipt of aportion of a user's head, and further wherein said first layer issubstantially coextensive with said second layer.
 9. The head and necksupport device of claim 8 wherein said top surface of the first layer isfurther comprised of a cradle.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The head and necksupport device of claim 8 wherein said second layer is further comprisedof a plurality of apertures therein.
 12. The head and neck supportdevice of claim 11 wherein said second layer is further comprised of atop and a bottom, wherein at least some of said plurality of aperturesextend through the second layer from said top to said bottom.
 13. Thehead and neck support device of claim 12 wherein said continuous openingis further comprised of a chamfered sidewall.
 14. A head and necksupport device comprising: a first layer; a second layer comprised of aplurality of apertures therein, wherein at least some of said pluralityof apertures extend through the entire second layer, and further whereinsaid first layer is substantially coextensive with said second layer;and a cradle portion.
 15. The head and neck support device of claim 14wherein said cradle portion is comprised of a continuous opening in thesecond layer and an indentation in the first layer.
 16. The head andneck support device of claim 15 wherein said indentation is formed in atop surface of the first layer.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The head and necksupport device of claim 14 wherein said second layer is furthercomprised of a top and a bottom, wherein at least some of said pluralityof apertures extend through the second layer from said top to saidbottom.
 19. The head and neck support device of claim 14 wherein saidfirst layer is comprised of a high density foam.
 20. The head and necksupport device of claim 14 wherein said second layer is comprised of ashape memory foam.